Innovative HAMR Optical Design Engineer

Headway Technologies; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

Headway Technologies in Milpitas, CA, is seeking an Optical Engineer to design and optimize next‑generation optical delivery systems for HAMR heads.

You will conduct advanced modeling, validate concepts experimentally, and collaborate with process, test, and product teams to translate ideas into scalable solutions. This role emphasizes innovation, rigorous testing, and manufacturability in a fast‑moving environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field; PhD preferred.
• Minimum two years in optics, plasmonics or silicon photonics.
• Experience with laser packaging and optical testing methods.

Responsibilities

• Design and evaluate advanced optical delivery systems for HAMR heads.
• Perform optical simulations to optimize coupling and confinement.
• Lead experimental validation and collaborate across engineering teams.
• Develop metrologies and characterization methods for HAMR components.
• Analyze data, propose design changes, and support product integration.

Skills

Optical engineering

Plasmonics

Silicon photonics

Laser package design

Optical testing

AI data analysis

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Optical/Electrical Engineering or Applied Physics

Two years of optics/plasmonics experience

PhD preferred

Tools

TEM

EELS

EDS

SIMS

XPS

Job description

Headway Technologies in Milpitas, CA, is seeking an Optical Engineer to design and optimize next‑generation optical delivery systems for HAMR heads.

You will conduct advanced modeling, validate concepts experimentally, and collaborate with process, test, and product teams to translate ideas into scalable solutions. This role emphasizes innovation, rigorous testing, and manufacturability in a fast‑moving environment.